Citizens’ Guide to November Referendum

Reprinted with permission from an enewsletter published by Maine Senator Stacey Guerin.

On Nov 4, 2025, voters will have the opportunity to decide on local candidates seeking public office and the fate of two questions appearing on this year’s ballot

For each referendum election, the Department of the Secretary of State (SOS) publishes a voter guide with the full text of the laws proposed in the referenda.

The full citizens’ guide can be found here.

Elections will be held for various city, town and school board officials. Ballots in some municipalities may also have questions regarding county or local initiatives. Absentee voting across the state began on Monday, Oct.6. To obtain an absentee ballot or for more information about early voting, you can contact your local town office or request an absentee ballot online. If you need information regarding Maine Election Law or have election-related questions, please visit the Secretary of State’s website or contact them by phone at 207-624-7736. 

What’s Your Sign?

Where’s your sign? What condition is it in? So many possible questions! Signs are a form of communication that we often overlook or fail to notice. Here’s one situation where that’s not the case!

Trenton Grange #550 is seeking quotes for a new sign. Since Grangers help each other, they are seeking recommendations and leads to signmakers who might be interested. You can comment on this post or contact Emily at Trenton Grange for further details or your suggestions. Or, better yet, if you’re in the area, Trenton Grange meets on the third Thursday of each month at 7 pm. The hall is located at 1136 Bar Harbor Road.

Words for Thirds Recognition

The Dictionary Project recently recognized Valley Grange‘s Words for Thirds Project in their “Word of the Day” newsletter. The Word of the Day was “excel.” We strive to do so, and we encourage our students to do the same.

By the way, the dictionaries for this year are arriving today! Dictionary Days are coming soon to Brownville, Harmony, Piscataquis Community, Ridgeview, and SeDoMoCha Elementary Schools.

Photo and quotes from a WABI-TV 5 News Report.

Visit the MSG Words for Thirds Resource Page to learn how your Grange can do this!

National Fire Prevention Week

October 5-11, 2025

Fire departments are teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) — the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week™ (FPW™) for more than 100 years — to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” It highlights how important it is to buy, charge, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.

Most of the electronics we use in our homes every day — smartphones, tablets, power and lawn tools, laptops, e-cigarettes, headphones, and toys, to name just a few — are powered by lithium-ion batteries. In fact, most everything that’s rechargeable uses this type of battery.

If not used correctly or if damaged, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, start a fire, or even explode. To reduce these risks, take a look around your home — it’s essential to identify which devices are powered by them. Lithium-ion batteries are powerful, convenient, and they’re just about everywhere. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps people understand the importance of using these batteries correctly to prevent fires in the home and to follow the Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely approach.”

Buy only listed products.

  • When purchasing a product that utilizes a lithium-ion battery, take the time to research it thoroughly. Look for a stamp from a nationally recognized testing lab on the packaging and product, which means that it meets important safety standards.
  • Many products sold online and in stores may not meet safety standards and could increase the risk of fire.

Charge devices safely.

  • Always use the cords that came with the product to charge it. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer.
  • If you need a new charger, purchase one from the manufacturer or one that has been approved by the manufacturer.
  • Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t charge it under a pillow, on a bed, or on a couch. This could cause a fire.
  • Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when the device is fully charged.

Recycle batteries responsibly.

  • Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could catch fire.
  • Recycling your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location is the best way to dispose of them. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

To find out more about FPW programs and activities in your town/city, please get in touch with your town/city Fire Department. For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.

Grange Heirloom — October 2025

Grange Heirlooms are snippets from the lessons of the Grange as taught in the Rituals and Declaration of Purposes.

Use the icons below to share this Grange Heirloom on social media and help others understand what the Grange stands for! If this heirloom has a particular meaning for you, click the “leave a comment” link at the left and share your comment with us!

For additional information and resources regarding the Heirloom Program, visit the Heirloom Resource Page on the Maine State Grange Website.

Annual Report Status

The State Convention Page and Program Books and Information Pages have been updated to reflect documents recently received.

Fraud Watch- Medicare Open Enrollment Scams

MSG Communications Resources Logo
Reprinted with permission from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network.

October marks the start of Medicare open enrollment, and unfortunately, the peak season for Medicare fraud. From October 15 to December 7, eligible beneficiaries can review options and make changes to their Medicare health and Part D prescription drug plans. But not every offer is what it seems.

Each year, criminals take advantage of open enrollment season by posing as insurance providers. They may call, email or show up offering free gifts or limited-time offers, all designed to steal your money, Medicare information, or even your identity.

At the same time, advances in modern medical technology create new opportunities for fraud criminals. Medicare beneficiaries should be cautious of devices advertised as medical monitors or promoted for uses they weren’t designed for. To stay safe, rely only on equipment prescribed by your doctor.

To protect yourself from Medicare schemes, avoid sharing personal information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly about Medicare. Legitimate plans can only reach out if you’ve requested information or already have an existing relationship with them. Beneficiaries can safely compare legitimate plans and change enrollment by going to medicare.gov or by calling 800-633-4227.

More Topic Resources

Report scams to local law enforcement. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

AARP Fraud Watch Network

Need a scam prevention speaker for your group? Click the link to fill out the AARP online form or email me@aarp.org.

Communication Shorts 9-28-2025

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

October Bulletin

Yes, there will be an October Bulletin, although with the State Session, the mailing of the physical copy may be delayed a bit. The deadline for submission is October 14th. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

National Grange Website Links

Some recent changes to the National Grange Website have resulted in some links not working. If you encounter broken links on the Maine State Grange website, please report them to Walter. If you encounter them on the National Grange website, report them to National Grange.

Dates and Deadlines

With the start of another Grange Fiscal Year, essential dates and deadlines abound!

Annual Purge Continues

We’re removing dated information from the website. This includes documents, posts, and photos. While some things are considered timeless, a general policy is to remove items that are more than two years old. One of the significant challenges this time of year is updating online directories. Please make sure we have your current information!

Think About This!

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”

Albert Camus

An Idea for Your Grange

At Valley Grange, we schedule meetings a full year in advance and assign “Grange Bees” – individuals responsible for tasks such as ensuring the hall is open and ready, as well as maintaining a supply of staples for potluck meals. It may not be a one-person job, but we want to be clear on who is responsible!

Subscribe!

Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members!

Online Directories Available 24-7

Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!

  • The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site frequently consult these directories.
  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information.

Getting the Words Out!

by Walter Boomsma, MSG Communications Director

As of today, there are 371 public schools in Maine (according to The Dictionary Project website). Of those, only 16 have a Dictionary Project Sponsor so far this year. That’s slightly over 4%.

The good news is that it’s still early in the year, and we can do better! If you have been sponsoring in the past, it’s time to start working on this year’s effort.

If you haven’t been a sponsor, this is a good year to start. For a list of unsponsored schools, visit the Dictionary Project Website. Remember, we have many great resources available on our Words for Thirds Resource Page. We’ll even provide you with your Grange’s very own logo!

There are also Rotary, Kiwanis, and Elks Clubs that sponsor schools in Maine. One possibility might be to partner with a local civic organization in your area, particularly if you’re concerned about the cost and effort involved. There are several dictionaries available to choose from. All come in cases of 24 at a cost of around $100 per case, including shipping. Obviously, much depends on school size, but you can start a powerful community service with a minimum investment!

If you doubt the power of this program, check out this short news story about a Valley Grange “Dictionary Day” at Ridgeview Elementary School in Dexter.

If you have questions or would like some help. Let me know! We’re Grangers. We help each other. And let us know about your Words for Thirds Project!

MSG Words for Thirds Resources

Communication Shorts 9-15-2025

By Walter Boomsma,
MSG Communications Director
207 343-1842

Communication Shorts are brief (short) but important items posted for your information and use. Please send us your ideas and thoughts!

September Bulletin

The September Bulletin is now available for download and printing. Recent issues of the Bulletin can be found on the Program Books and Information Page in the communications section.

An Annual Report?

It’s the end of the Grange Year. Certain State Officers and Directors are expected to file an annual report of their activities and accomplishments. (We’ll be publishing them on the site as they are received.) Have you considered putting one together for your Grange? You can think of your communities as your stockholders. Let them know what you have done this year!

Dates and Deadlines

Fall is coming. Some might say it’s already here. With the start of another Grange Fiscal Year, essential dates and deadlines abound! ODDs Note: Annual Reports are due today and Program Books by October 1, 2025!

Annual Purge Continues

We’re removing dated information from the website. This includes documents, posts, and photos. While some things are considered timeless, a general policy is to remove items that are more than two years old.

Think About This!

“A dull truth will not be looked at. An exciting lie will. That is what good, sincere people must understand. They must make their truth exciting and new, or their good works will be born dead.”

Bill Bernbach

An Idea for Your Grange

Last call! We’re almost finished with the BEB (Books Exchange Box) and LFL (Little Free Library) Resource Page. If your Grange has one or is interested in participating, please let us know.

Subscribe!

Remember, we don’t share your email address with anyone, and you get a weekly summary of what’s been posted. Subscribe here! Share that link with your members!

Online Directories Available 24-7

Thanks to those who help us keep these directories current by letting us know of changes!

  • The Directory of Granges features all Granges in the state with a contact person. Please make sure your listing is correct! Visitors to the site frequently consult these directories.
  • The ODD Directory features all state officers, directors, and deputies, along with their contact information.